India > Condiments

Mirchi Ka Achaar Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500 grams green chili peppers
- 1/2 cup mustard oil
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar

Special equipment needed:
- A large mixing bowl
- A clean and dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Wash the green chili peppers thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Cut off the stems and slice the peppers lengthwise into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
3. In a dry pan, roast the fennel seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds until fragrant and slightly browned.
4. Let the roasted seeds cool down and then grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground spice powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and sugar.
6. Add the sliced green chili peppers to the spice mixture and toss well to coat them evenly.
7. Heat the mustard oil in a pan until it starts to smoke. Turn off the heat and let the oil cool down for a few minutes.
8. Add the vinegar to the cooled oil and mix well.
9. Pour the oil and vinegar mixture over the spiced green chili peppers and mix well.
10. Transfer the mixture to a clean and dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
11. Keep the jar in a cool and dry place for at least 2-3 days to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
12. Shake the jar gently every day to ensure that the peppers are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
13. After 2-3 days, your Mirchi Ka Achaar is ready to eat.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Temperature:
No specific temperature required
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 1 medium-sized jar of Mirchi Ka Achaar, which can serve about 6-8 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 60
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 590mg
Sugar: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of green chili peppers that you prefer, but make sure they are fresh and not wilted.
- If you don't have mustard oil, you can use any other neutral-flavored oil like vegetable oil or canola oil.
- You can use any type of vinegar that you prefer, but white vinegar or apple cider vinegar work best.
- If you don't have all the whole spices, you can use pre-ground spices instead, but the flavor won't be as intense.

Variations:
- You can add other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or radishes to the achaar for added texture and flavor.
- You can add some chopped garlic or ginger for added flavor.
- You can adjust the amount of red chili powder and salt according to your taste preference.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use a clean and dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to store the achaar.
- The longer you let the achaar sit, the more intense the flavors will become.
- Always use a clean and dry spoon to scoop out the achaar from the jar.
- You can serve the achaar as a condiment with any Indian meal or use it as a marinade for meats or vegetables.

Storage instructions:
- Store the Mirchi Ka Achaar in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.
- It can be stored for up to 2-3 months if kept in an airtight container.

Reheating instructions:
- This achaar is meant to be eaten cold and does not require reheating.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the achaar in a small bowl or ramekin with a spoon for easy serving.
- Garnish with some fresh cilantro leaves or sliced onions for added flavor and color.

Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sliced onions

Pairings:
- This achaar pairs well with any Indian meal like dal, rice, or roti.

Suggested side dishes:
- Raita
- Papadum
- Pickled onions

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the achaar is too spicy, you can add more vinegar or sugar to balance out the flavors.
- If the achaar is too salty, you can add more oil or vinegar to dilute the saltiness.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the green chili peppers thoroughly before using them.
- Use a clean and dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to store the achaar.
- Always use a clean and dry spoon to scoop out the achaar from the jar.

Food history:
- Mirchi Ka Achaar is a popular Indian condiment that is made with green chili peppers and a blend of spices and oil.
- It is a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations in many Indian households.

Flavor profiles:
- This achaar has a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile with a hint of bitterness from the fenugreek seeds.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the achaar as a condiment with any Indian meal or use it as a marinade for meats or vegetables.

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Region: Indian

Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Sour, Savory, Aromatic